Fire above massage parlour in Barden Road, Tonbridge
08:37, 11 October 2020
updated: 12:31, 11 October 2020
Emergency services are advising residents to keep windows and doors closed as they battle a fire above a massage parlour.
Kent Fire and Rescue Service crews were called to the blaze in Tonbridge just after 7am.
Owing to large volumes of smoke coming from the roof of the building in Barden Road opposite Tonbridge rail station, crews are advising neighbouring properties to avoid opening windows and doors and urging others to avoid the area altogether.
Kent Police and the South East Coast Ambulance Service are also at the scene although it's not known if anyone has been harmed.
The blaze appears to be above the Shanghai Massage Parlour among a small parade of shops.
The cause of the fire has not yet been determined.
Witness James Watson who has taken pictures of fire crews tackling the blazing building said: "I initially saw the smoke from the Judians' rugby pitch around dawn and thought it might be an old steam train firing up as it was in a similar area where they do that."
A police spokesman said: "We were called at 7.20am following a report of a fire in Barden Road, Tonbridge. Officers are currently at the scene assisting Kent Fire and Rescue Service."
Southeastern has closed the side entrance to the railway station remaining and is telling passengers to use the main entrance instead.
More as we get it.
